New Intensive Care Unit
A new highly serviced unit within the existing “Block B” building
Our client said….
The team worked with us on a complex retrofit of a ward into an ICU. As busy clinicians, we were very impressed with the flexibility and understanding of our needs. The team were responsive and adaptive, and very keen to engage us at every stage to ensure our new space works for key stakeholders’ day and night. Our new ICU space has been designed with so much natural light, which has transformed the environment for patients and staff. We have wanted and needed a new ICU for a long time; you helped make that vision come to fruition. Thank you for all your hard work.
The Story
During “covid” RUH Bath had rapidly transformed a ward on the floor above their existing Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to a ‘covid ward’. This swift transformation meant that bulky ductwork and air handling units had to be located in the playground to the children’s ward below - not ideal, but necessary at the time.
By 2023 there was no longer a need for a ‘covid ward’. Rather than return the space to a standard ward RUH decided to re-locate their current ICU here. This would allow for a substantial increase in bed numbers together with the most up-to-date equipment. A key element of the brief was also to return the children’s ward playground to them.
O’LearyGoss Architects were appointed as architects and lead consultants for this highly technical project in summer 2023. The project had a high M&E content and required specialist knowledge of the relevant healthcare regulations and guidance.
We worked closely with key medical staff from ICU to develop a design meeting their very specific brief for this critical ward.
Functional layout meeting healthcare regulations and best practice
Efficient use of limited space
Good ergonomics allowing for rapid access to patients and equipment
Comfortable working environment and rest areas for staff working in challenging situations
Relocating the existing ‘plant’ away from the Children’s playground
Using colours for ‘way-finding’ for visitors
Following the development of a full technical package and a competitive tender process, the project started on site in April 2024. O’LearyGoss undertook site inspections and co-ordinated the complex technical aspects of the project.
The unit opened to patients in March 2025.
Project Team:
Client: Royal United Hospital, Bath
Consulting structural & civil engineers: Precisian
Consulting services engineers: Brunel Services
Cost consultant: Edmond Shipway
Contractor: K P Wilton